CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

To be awarded this qualification, you must successfully complete 17 units of competency, 15 core units and 2 elective units.  If you choose to study this course in a online (virtual classroom), you will need to provide us with your Statement of Attainment for unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid from another education provider for the purpose of Credit Transfer. The electives for this course have been selected by Partners in Training Australia through industry consultation.

Core units

• CHCECE030 Support inclusion and diversity
• CHCECE031 Support children’s health, safety and wellbeing
• CHCECE032 Nurture babies and toddlers
• CHCECE033 Develop positive and respectful relationships with children
• CHCEDS034 Use an approved learning framework to guide practice
• CHCEDS035 Support the holistic learning and development of children
• CHCEDS036 Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning
• CHCEDS037 Support children to connect with the natural environment
• CHCEDS038 Observe children to inform practice
• CHCECE054 Encourage understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures
• CHCECE055 Meet legal and ethical obligations in children’s education and care
• CHCECE056 Work effectively in children’s education and care
• CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
• HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting
• HTLWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

Elective units

• CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
• CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Entry Requirements

• There are no mandatory prerequisites to enrol in this qualification.
• Physical attributes for placement purposes which encompasses lifting children and manual handling.
• Applicants must attend a course information session and then to determine suitability, complete a:
  • Pre-training Review (PTR)
  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Digital skills assessment (LLND)

Class Attendance

• Students must attend one class per week, choosing between:
  • Online (virtual classroom), or
  • Face-to-face (onsite classroom).

Class Times:

• Day classes: 9:00AM – 4:00PM or 9:30AM – 4:30PM (7 hours).
• Additional time is required each week for private study, research, and completing assessments outside of scheduled class hours.

Technology Requirements

• You will need access to:
  • A computer, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection.
  • Zoom application, headphones/speakers, microphone & webcam capabilities for virtual classes.
  • An laptop or tablet  for onsite classroom session to access your course materials and assessments via our online Learning Management System (LMS).

Work Placement

• This course requires a minimum of 160 hours of placement at a regulated children’s education and care service.
• A current and satisfactory Victorian Working with Children Check and Police Record Check and are fully immunised.

Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding if you are eligible for a Skills First subsidised training place. The below Skills First Funded Course Fees are only applicable to students who live in a regional postcode. Please refer to our Postcode List on our student information page for regional postcodes.

*Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islanders pay the course Administration Fee but do not pay any Tuition fee.

* There are no materials fees when you study with us.

*Download Our Course Info Sheet– a comprehensive course brochure includes everything from course content to payment plans, refund policies, and fees for students not eligible for government funding. Its your first step toward flexible, affordable, and career-focused training.

*To check your eligibility for Skills First Funding click here

Graduates of this qualification may choose to further their studies by enrolling in the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Graduates of this qualification can expect to apply for employment in the education support industry in occupational titles such as Education Assistant, Education Support Worker, Indigenous Language and Culture Teaching Assistant, Teacher Assistant or Aide, Support Worker and Literacy Worker.

Around 1.5 million children in Australia attend childcare services. In the region of 200,000 teachers and educators work in the children’s education and care sector, with most of the sector workforce being Certificate III and Diploma qualified educators. The National Skills Commission’s 5-year employment projections to November 2023 shows employment is expected to increase by around 16,000 educators.

Why Study with Partners in Training Australia (PTA)?

At PTA, we specialise in delivering high-quality training for the Health and Community Services sector across Regional Victoria and Metropolitan locations.

Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life

We understand that traditional classroom schedules don’t suit everyone. That’s why we offer flexible study options—including online and blended delivery—designed for people with busy work lives, family commitments, or limited access to TAFE. Our nationally recognised training is also government-subsidised, making it more affordable and accessible than many other providers.

Strong Industry Connections

We work closely with local employers to ensure our training is practical, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. These partnerships also provide:

• Work placement opportunities
• Customised training for staff
• Pathways to employment for our graduates

Expert Trainers with Real-World Experience

Our trainers are experienced professionals who are actively engaged in the industry. This means you’ll learn from people who understand current practices and expectations – ensuring your training is up-to-date and job-ready.

Come and see how we do things differently, and let us be your ‘partner in training’!   

As part of the application of enrolment process, we ask you to attend an Information/ Enrolment Session that will involve a written Pre-Training Review with an Enrolment Officer who will be available to support you through the process. Our pre-training review is designed to make sure the course is the most suitable and appropriate training option for you.

Information/Enrolments sessions are held at each of our campuses and via Zoom, which makes it easy for you to attend.

We look forward to discussing this course and the study options with you, then arranging an information session for you to attend.